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Detection of Schistosoma mekongi DNA in Human Stool and Intermediate Host Snail Neotricula aperta via Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay in Lao PDR. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121413. [PMID: 36558747 PMCID: PMC9785648 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mekongi infection represents a public health concern in Laos and Cambodia. While both countries have made significant progress in disease control over the past few decades, eradication has not yet been achieved. Recently, several studies reported the application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detecting Schistosoma DNA in low-transmission settings. The objective of this study was to develop a LAMP assay for Schistosoma mekongi using a simple DNA extraction method. In particular, we evaluated the utility of the LAMP assay for detecting S. mekongi DNA in human stool and snail samples in endemic areas in Laos. We then used the LAMP assay results to develop a risk map for monitoring schistosomiasis mekongi and preventing epidemics. A total of 272 stool samples were collected from villagers on Khon Island in the southern part of Laos in 2016. DNA for LAMP assays was extracted via the hot-alkaline method. Following the Kato-Katz method, we determined that 0.4% (1/272) of the stool samples were positive for S. mekongi eggs, as opposed to 2.9% (8/272) for S. mekongi DNA based on the LAMP assays. Snail samples (n = 11,762) were annually collected along the riverside of Khon Island from 2016 to 2018. DNA was extracted from pooled snails as per the hot-alkaline method. The LAMP assay indicated that the prevalence of S. mekongi in snails was 0.26% in 2016, 0.08% in 2017, and less than 0.03% in 2018. Based on the LAMP assay results, a risk map for schistosomiasis with kernel density estimation was created, and the distribution of positive individuals and snails was consistent. In a subsequent survey of residents, schistosomiasis prevalence among villagers with latrines at home was lower than that among villagers without latrines. This is the first study to develop and evaluate a LAMP assay for S. mekongi detection in stools and snails. Our findings indicate that the LAMP assay is an effective method for monitoring pathogen prevalence and creating risk maps for schistosomiasis.
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Environmental DNA in human and veterinary parasitology - Current applications and future prospects for monitoring and control. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 29:e00183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Deng W, Wang S, Wang L, Lv C, Li Y, Feng T, Qin Z, Xu J. Laboratory Evaluation of a Basic Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Assay for Early Detection of Schistosoma japonicum. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030319. [PMID: 35335643 PMCID: PMC8955429 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) within its intermediate and definitive hosts is crucial for case finding and disease surveillance, especially in low-endemic areas. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has many advantages over traditional methods of DNA-amplification, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including high sensitivity and specificity whilst being deployable in resource-poor schistosomiasis-endemic areas. Here, we evaluated the performance of a basic RPA assay targeting the 28srDNA gene fragment of S. japonicum (Sj28srDNA) using schistosome-infected Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis) and mouse models, compared to the traditional pathological method and a PCR assay. Overall S. japonicum infection prevalence within O. hupensis hosts by microscopic dissection, PCR and RPA was 9.29% (13/140), 32.14% (45/140) and 51.43% (72/140), respectively, presenting significant differences statistically (χ2 = 58.31, p < 0.001). It was noteworthy that infection prevalence by PCR and RPA performed was 34.44% (31/90) and 53.33% (48/90) in snails within 6 weeks post-infection, while the dissection method detected all samples as negatives. In addition, the basic RPA assay presented positive results from the fourth week post-infection and third day post-infection when detecting fecal DNA and serum DNA, respectively, which were extracted from a pooled sample from mice infected with 20 S. japonicum cercariae. This study suggests that the RPA assay has high potential for early detection of S. japonicum infection within its intermediate and definitive hosts.
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Molecular Techniques as Alternatives of Diagnostic Tools in China as Schistosomiasis Moving towards Elimination. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030287. [PMID: 35335611 PMCID: PMC8951378 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica caused by the trematode flukes of Schistosoma japonicum was one of the most grievous infectious diseases in China in the mid-20th century, while its elimination has been placed on the agenda of the national strategic plan of healthy China 2030 after 70 years of continuous control campaigns. Diagnostic tools play a pivotal role in warfare against schistosomiasis but must adapt to the endemic status and objectives of activities. With the decrease of prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis in human beings and livestock, optimal methodologies with high sensitivity and absolute specificity are needed for the detection of asymptomatic cases or light infections, as well as disease surveillance to verify elimination. In comparison with the parasitological methods with relatively low sensitivity and serological techniques lacking specificity, which both had been widely used in previous control stages, the molecular detection methods based on the amplification of promising genes of the schistosome genome may pick up the baton to assist the eventual aim of elimination. In this article, we reviewed the developed molecular methods for detecting S. japonicum infection and their application in schistosomiasis japonica diagnosis. Concurrently, we also analyzed the chances and challenges of molecular tools to the field application process in China.
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Belizario VY,J, de Cadiz AE, Navarro RC, Flores MJC, Molina VB, Dalisay SNM, Medina JRC, Lumangaya CR. The status of schistosomiasis japonica control in the Philippines: The need for an integrated approach to address a multidimensional problem. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2022.8-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica remains a public health concern in many areas of the Philippines. Adequate and updated information is essential to enhance policy and service delivery toward control and elimination. Despite the efforts on schistosomiasis control in the Philippines, some challenges remain in these dimensions. An integrated surveillance system is recommended to determine the prevalence of infection in humans, animal reservoirs, and snail intermediate hosts, allowing the identification of high-priority areas for targeted interventions. This will entail the enhancement of laboratory diagnosis capacity through the use of more sensitive techniques, complemented by capacity building of concerned human and animal health professionals. Given the zoonotic nature of schistosomiasis japonica, adopting the One Health approach is essential to influence policies and interventions that may accelerate control and elimination. This can be achieved through the attainment of mass drug administration coverage targets and intensified case finding and management, robust implementation and integration of veterinary public health activities, the conduct of snail control measures, provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, and health promotion and education into the national schistosomiasis control and elimination program. This review aimed to describe the status of schistosomiasis japonica control in the Philippines in the context of human health, animal health, vector ecology and management, environmental health, and sociocultural dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Y. , Jr. Belizario
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines; Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Aleyla E. de Cadiz
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines, Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Rohani C. Navarro
- National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mary Jane C. Flores
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Victorio B. Molina
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Soledad Natalia M. Dalisay
- Department of Anthropology, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Philippines
| | - John Robert C. Medina
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Carlo R. Lumangaya
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
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Gordon CA, Williams GM, Gray DJ, Clements ACA, Zhou XN, Li Y, Utzinger J, Kurscheid J, Forsyth S, Addis Alene K, Zhou J, Li Z, Li G, Lin D, Lou Z, Li S, Ge J, Xu J, Yu X, Hu F, Xie S, Chen J, Shi T, Li C, Zheng H, McManus DP. Schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China - down but not out. Parasitology 2022; 149:218-233. [PMID: 35234601 PMCID: PMC11010531 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been subjected to extensive control efforts in the People's Republic of China (China) which aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. We describe baseline results of a longitudinal cohort study undertaken in the Dongting and Poyang lakes areas of central China designed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in humans, animals (goats and bovines) and Oncomelania snails utilizing molecular diagnostics procedures. Data from the Chinese National Schistosomiasis Control Programme (CNSCP) were compared with the molecular results obtained.Sixteen villages from Hunan and Jiangxi provinces were surveyed; animals were only found in Hunan. The prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans was 1.8% in Jiangxi and 8.0% in Hunan determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while 18.3% of animals were positive by digital droplet PCR. The CNSCP data indicated that all villages harboured S. japonicum-infected individuals, detected serologically by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), but very few, if any, of these were subsequently positive by Kato-Katz (KK).Based on the outcome of the IHA and KK results, the CNSCP incorporates targeted human praziquantel chemotherapy but this approach can miss some infections as evidenced by the results reported here. Sensitive molecular diagnostics can play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis in China and inform control measures allowing for a more systematic approach to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gail M. Williams
- School of Population Health, Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simon Forsyth
- School of Population Health, Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Jie Zhou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaojun Li
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangpin Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Lin
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Lou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengming Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Ge
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinling Yu
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Hu
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuying Xie
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Shi
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Li
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajun Zheng
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Tran L, Rathinasamy VA, Beddoe T. Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Austropeplea tomentosa from environmental water samples. ANIMAL DISEASES 2022; 2:29. [PMCID: PMC9743122 DOI: 10.1186/s44149-022-00061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymnaeid snails are key intermediate hosts for the development and survival of Fasciola spp., the causative agent of Fascioliasis which are economically important parasites infecting humans and livestock globally. The current control method for treating Fascioliasis is heavily reliant on anthelmintic drugs, particularly Triclabendazole (TCBZ) which has resulted in drug-resistant parasites and poses significant risk as there are no long-term efficacious alternatives available. Sustainable control measures at the farm level could include both parasite and snail control will play an important role in Fasciola spp. control and reduce the reliance on anthelmintic drugs. Implementation of such sustainable control measures requires effective identification of snails on the property however Lymnaeid snails are small and difficult to physically locate. Snail identification using an environmental DNA approach is a recent approach in which physically locating snails are not required. Austropeplea tomentosa, is the primary intermediate snail host for F. hepatica transmission in South-East Australia and we present an in-field loop-mediated isothermal amplification and water filtering method for the detection of A. tomentosa eDNA from water samples to improve current surveillance methods. This methodology is highly sensitive with a detection limit of 5 × 10− 6 ng/μL, detected in < 20 minutes, with cumulative sample preparation and amplification time under 1 hour. This proposed workflow could assist in monitoring areas to determine the risk of Fascioliasis infection and implement strategies to manage snail populations to ultimately reduce the risk of infection for humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Tran
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Vignesh A. Rathinasamy
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine and Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
| | - Travis Beddoe
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083 Australia
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Rogers MJ, McManus DP, Muhi S, Gordon CA. Membrane Technology for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0032920. [PMID: 34378956 PMCID: PMC8404699 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00329-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people worldwide, with individuals from communities in low-socioeconomic areas being most at risk and suffering the most. Disease management programs are hindered by the lack of infrastructure and resources for clinical sample collection, storage, and transport and a dearth of sensitive diagnostic methods that are inexpensive as well as accurate. Many diagnostic tests and tools have been developed for the parasitic NTDs, but the collection and storage of clinical samples for molecular and immunological diagnosis can be expensive due to storage, transport, and reagent costs, making these procedures untenable in most areas of endemicity. The application of membrane technology, which involves the use of specific membranes for either sample collection and storage or diagnostic procedures, can streamline this process, allowing for long-term sample storage at room temperature. Membrane technology can be used in serology-based diagnostic assays and for nucleic acid purification prior to molecular analysis. This facilitates the development of relatively simple and rapid procedures, although some of these methods, mainly due to costs, lack accessibility in low-socioeconomic regions of endemicity. New immunological procedures and nucleic acid storage, purification, and diagnostics protocols that are simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective must be developed as countries progress control efforts toward the elimination of the parasitic NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J. Rogers
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Xiong YH, Xu XN, Zheng B. Patented technologies for schistosomiasis control and prevention filed by Chinese applicants. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:84. [PMID: 34118989 PMCID: PMC8199835 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00869-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many valuable and productive patented technologies have been developed to control schistosomiasis in China in the past 70 years. We conducted a research to analyse patented technologies for schistosomiasis control and prevention filed by Chinese applicants for determining the future patent layout. METHODS The patent databases of China National Intellectual Property Administration and Baiten were comprehensively searched, and patented technologies for schistosomiasis control and prevention, published between January 1950 and December 2020 filed by Chinese applicants were sorted on 30 December 2020. The patent types, technical fields, and patent development trends were analysed using patent indexing. RESULTS There are 184 valid schistosomiasis control technology patents, among them 128 invention patents. The patents related to schistosomiasis control and prevention technology have gone through the germination, growth, and maturity stages. These phases correspond with three phases in schistosomiasis control in China. The main technical aspects were fundamental research (n = 37), detection (n = 13), chemotherapy (n = 61), and armamentarium/devices (n = 73), of which the number of patents for detection for diagnosis was smaller. The top three specialised technical fields for patents subgroups, focusing on antiparasitic agents, DNA or RNA, vectors and medicines, of which schistosomicides are the major dominant subgroup. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that technologies to be patented for schistosomiasis control and prevention be focused on detection, preliminary studies for molecular detection methods should be significantly enhanced, and patent layout must be performed, which will, in turn, promote accuracy of early diagnosis, not only in humans but also in livestock. It is necessary to develop more anti-schistosomal drugs safely and effectively, exceptionally eco-friendly molluscicides and herbal extracts anti-schistosomes, improve treatment, develop vaccines for use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Xiong
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission, WHO Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xue-Nian Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission, WHO Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission, WHO Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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García-Bernalt Diego J, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A. LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030521. [PMID: 33804255 PMCID: PMC8000616 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.
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Kong Q, Zhuo X, Yang X, Ding H, Ding J, Lou D, Tong Q, Wu Z, Lu S. Early Detection of Trichinella spiralis DNA in Rat Feces Based on Tracing Phosphate Ions Generated During Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification. J Parasitol 2021; 107:141-146. [PMID: 33662114 DOI: 10.1645/19-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of trichinellosis is still difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms and limited window for serological detection. Here we established an assay based on tracing phosphate ions generated during loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect Trichinella spiralis DNA in rat feces during its early stage of infection. By targeting a 1.6-kb repetitive element of Tri. spiralis, the assay was able to detect Tri. spiralis DNA in the feces of all infected rats as early as 1 day postinfection (dpi). The positive detection lasted to 7 dpi in the rats infected with 250 muscle larvae, and 21 dpi in the rats infected with 5,000 larvae. The assay was highly sensitive, and could detect 1.7 femtograms (fg) of Tri. spiralis DNA with high specificity, and with no cross reactivity with the DNA from Anisakis pegreffii, Gnathostoma spinigerum, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma japonicum, and Trypanosoma evansi. Our present study provided a reliable technique for the early diagnosis of trichinellosis with the advantages of simplicity and speed, as well as high sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Kong
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiaodi Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jianzu Ding
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Di Lou
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Qunbo Tong
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhiliang Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Shaohong Lu
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
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Dunghungzin C, Chontananarth T. The prevalence of cercarial infection and development of a duplex PCR for detection of the cercarial stage of Haplorchis taichui and H. pumilio in first intermediate hosts from Chai Nat province, Thailand. Acta Trop 2021; 214:105795. [PMID: 33310080 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cercarial infections in freshwater snails collected from the Chai Nat province of Central Thailand. Moreover, we aimed to develop a duplex PCR technique, using the ITS2 and candidate MT-ND1 gene, to determine the dissemination of H. taichui and H. pumilio, respectively. Six types of cercariae were discovered with an overall prevalence of 4.71% (59/1,252). The parapleurolophocercous cercariae were demonstrated to be the dominant type, infecting only Melanoides tuberculata snails. The duplex PCR was optimized for specific amplification of ITS2 for H. taichui (115 bp) and MT-ND1 for H. pumilio (335 bp). Both specific primers confirmed the specificity of the duplex PCR reaction, with no cross-reactivity with other heterophyids or related species. In addition, this duplex PCR could be used to detect co-infection at a concentration of 3.0 ng/µL. For the molecular identification, 9 of 22 parapleurolophocercous cercaria specimens in Chai Nat province generated the specific DNA fragment of H. pumilio. These results proved that the MT-ND1 gene is a species-specific method for heterophyid detection and provides a rapid method for identification based on larval and adult stages of H. taichui and H. pumilio in their intermediate and/or definitive hosts in the infected area.
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13
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Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification in Schistosomiasis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030511. [PMID: 33535489 PMCID: PMC7867102 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases, causing around 250 million cases (mostly in Africa) and 280,000–500,000 deaths every year. Due to the limited resources and the far-removed nature of many endemic areas, the implementation of new, sensitive and specific diagnostic tools has had little success. This is particularly true for PCR-based molecular methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel to be executed. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) along with other isothermal techniques appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to those methods, overcoming some of the aforementioned limitations and achieving a more inexpensive diagnostic. However, to this date, neither LAMP nor any other isothermal technique have signified a meaningful change in the way schistosomiasis diagnosis is routinely performed. Here, we present the recent developments in LAMP-based schistosomiasis diagnosis. We expose the main advantages and disadvantages of LAMP technology over PCR and other classical diagnostic methods focusing in various research approaches on intermediate hosts, animal models and patients. We also examine its potential clinical application in post-therapy monitoring, as well as its usefulness as a point-of-care test.
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Monnier N, Barth-Jaeggi T, Knopp S, Steinmann P. Core components, concepts and strategies for parasitic and vector-borne disease elimination with a focus on schistosomiasis: A landscape analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008837. [PMID: 33125375 PMCID: PMC7598467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to control and eliminate human schistosomiasis have accelerated over the past decade. In a number of endemic countries and settings, interruption of schistosome transmission has been achieved. In others, Schistosoma infections continue to challenge program managers at different levels, from the complexity of the transmission cycle, over limited treatment options and lack of field-friendly accurate diagnostics, to controversy around adequate intervention strategies. We conducted a landscape analysis on parasitic and vector-borne disease elimination approaches with the aim to identify evidence-based strategies, core components and key concepts for achieving and sustaining schistosomiasis control and for progressing elimination efforts towards interruption of transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 118 relevant publications were identified from Web of Science, Pubmed and the grey literature and reviewed for their content. In addition, we conducted in-depth interviews with 23 epidemiologists, program managers, policymakers, donors and field researchers. Available evidence emphasizes the need for comprehensive, multipronged and long-term strategies consisting of multiple complementary interventions that must be sustained over time by political commitment and adequate funding in order to reach interruption of transmission. Based on the findings of this landscape analysis, we propose a comprehensive set of intervention strategies for schistosomiasis control and elimination. Before deployment, the proposed interventions will require review, evaluation and validation in the frame of an expert consultation as a step towards adaptation to specific contexts, conditions and settings. Field testing to ensure local relevance and effectiveness is paramount given the diversity of socio-ecological and epidemiological contexts. This landscape analysis explored successful concepts, approaches and interventions of past and ongoing parasitic and vector-borne disease elimination efforts and programs with regard to relevance for progress in the elimination of human schistosome infections. Schistosomiasis is a disabling, water borne parasitic disease of public health concern with an estimated 250 million people infected worldwide. The long-term morbidity of this neglected tropical disease significantly impacts growth, cognition and socioeconomic development at all ages. Despite increased global efforts to control morbidity and advance elimination, challenges in view of the complex life cycle which involves freshwater sources, intermediate snail hosts and humans, remain. This calls for targeted interventions and concerted programs. According to the evidence from the literature and as proposed by a wide range of key informants, comprehensive, multipronged and long-term strategies supported by strong political commitment and adequate funding are required in order to achieve and sustain the set goals. Based on the findings, we propose here a comprehensive set of intervention strategies for schistosomiasis control and elimination for review and evaluation to inform implementation research needs and elimination program design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Monnier
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanja Barth-Jaeggi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Pennance T, Archer J, Lugli EB, Rostron P, Llanwarne F, Ali SM, Amour AK, Suleiman KR, Li S, Rollinson D, Cable J, Knopp S, Allan F, Ame SM, Webster BL. Development of a Molecular Snail Xenomonitoring Assay to Detect Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis Infections in their Bulinus Snail Hosts. Molecules 2020; 25:E4011. [PMID: 32887445 PMCID: PMC7116084 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25174011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease of medical and veterinary importance, transmitted through specific freshwater snail intermediate hosts, is targeted for elimination in several endemic regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Multi-disciplinary methods are required for both human and environmental diagnostics to certify schistosomiasis elimination when eventually reached. Molecular xenomonitoring protocols, a DNA-based detection method for screening disease vectors, have been developed and trialed for parasites transmitted by hematophagous insects, such as filarial worms and trypanosomes, yet few have been extensively trialed or proven reliable for the intermediate host snails transmitting schistosomes. Here, previously published universal and Schistosoma-specific internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA primers were adapted into a triplex PCR primer assay that allowed for simple, robust, and rapid detection of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis in Bulinus snails. We showed this two-step protocol could sensitively detect DNA of a single larval schistosome from experimentally infected snails and demonstrate its functionality for detecting S. haematobium infections in wild-caught snails from Zanzibar. Such surveillance tools are a necessity for succeeding in and certifying the 2030 control and elimination goals set by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Pennance
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London W2 1PG, UK
| | - John Archer
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Elena Birgitta Lugli
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Penny Rostron
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Felix Llanwarne
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London W2 1PG, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Said Mohammed Ali
- Public Health Laboratory–Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122 Chake-Chake, Pemba, Tanzania; (S.M.A.); (A.K.A.); (K.R.S.); (S.M.A.)
| | - Amour Khamis Amour
- Public Health Laboratory–Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122 Chake-Chake, Pemba, Tanzania; (S.M.A.); (A.K.A.); (K.R.S.); (S.M.A.)
| | - Khamis Rashid Suleiman
- Public Health Laboratory–Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122 Chake-Chake, Pemba, Tanzania; (S.M.A.); (A.K.A.); (K.R.S.); (S.M.A.)
| | - Sarah Li
- Schistosomiasis Resource Centre, Biomedical Research Institute, 9410 Key West, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | - David Rollinson
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland;
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Allan
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Shaali Makame Ame
- Public Health Laboratory–Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122 Chake-Chake, Pemba, Tanzania; (S.M.A.); (A.K.A.); (K.R.S.); (S.M.A.)
| | - Bonnie Lee Webster
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK; (E.B.L.); (P.R.); (F.L.); (D.R.); (F.A.); (B.L.W.)
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), London W2 1PG, UK
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Boonham N, Tomlinson J, Ostoja-Starzewska S, McDonald RA. A pond-side test for Guinea worm: Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of Dracunculus medinensis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 217:107960. [PMID: 32755552 PMCID: PMC7526612 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Guinea worm Dracunculus medinensis causes debilitating disease in people and is subject to an ongoing global eradication programme. Research and controls are constrained by a lack of diagnostic tools. We developed a specific and sensitive LAMP method for detecting D. medinensis larval DNA in copepod vectors. We were able to detect a single larva in a background of field-collected copepods. This method could form the basis of a “pond-side test” for detecting potential sources of Guinea worm infection in the environment, in copepods, including in the guts of fish as potential transport hosts, enabling research, surveillance and targeting of control measures. The key constraint on the utility of this assay as a field diagnostic, is a lack of knowledge of variation in the temporal and spatial distribution of D. medinensis larvae in copepods in water bodies in the affected areas and how best to sample copepods to obtain a reliable diagnostic sample. These fundamental knowledge gaps could readily be addressed with field collections of samples across areas experiencing a range of worm infection frequencies, coupled with field and laboratory analyses using LAMP and PCR. LAMP tests were developed for Dracunculus medinensis and D. insignis and were shown to be specific and sensitive. A LAMP test was developed to amplify DNA from copepods to use as an internal amplification control during testing. Samples of copepods taken from ponds could be tested using the LAMP tests and Dracunculus medinensis could be detected. Results are achieved in less than 30 min using just the Genie III instrument and no other laboratory equipment is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Boonham
- Newcastle University, Kings Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | | | | | - Robbie A McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
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17
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Abe EM, Tambo E, Xue J, Xu J, Ekpo UF, Rollinson D, Yang K, Li SZ, Zhou XN. Approaches in scaling up schistosomiasis intervention towards transmission elimination in Africa: Leveraging from the Chinese experience and lessons. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105379. [PMID: 32006521 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum, differs from the African species including S. mansoni and S. haematobium, is a zoonotic parasite as it infects both human and animals including domestic ruminant animals such as cattle and animals from the wild. Considering China's success story in the elimination of schistosomiasis, the China-Africa collaboration on schistosomaisis elimination in Africa is an important cooperative health development initiative. This review examines the importance of China-Africa collaboration on schistosomiasis elimination using effective surveillance-response intervention strategy as the platform to effectively drive the elimination of schistosomiasis in Africa. Three conclusions were made after reviewing the similarity and differences in schistososmiasis control programmes between China and African continent as follows: (i) Politically, China's lessons is that leveraging on the integrated control strategies and the recognition that schistosomiasis is a public health problem which prompted the interest of government in China. It is necessary for African leaders and governments to recognize schistosomiasis as a public health challenge that must be given serious attention in terms of funding and setting up frameworks to complement control efforts. (ii) Technically, efficient monitoring and surveillance system mechanism will facilitate contextual and effective management of schistosomiasis elimination across different environment, and African programme managers should embrace the use of appropriate diagnostic tools to guide treatment strategies at different thresholds of schistosomiasis control. (iii) Strategically, effective control of snail intermediate hosts and precision mapping of snail distribution should be prioritized for successful schistosomiasis elimination in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eniola M Abe
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - E Tambo
- Département de Biochimie et Science Pharmaceutiques, Université des Montagnes, Bagangté, République du Cameroon.
| | - Jingbo Xue
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Uwem F Ekpo
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata Road, Abeokuta, 110001, Nigeria.
| | - David Rollinson
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom.
| | - Kun Yang
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China.
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200025, China.
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18
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Waema MW, Misinzo G, Kagira JM, Agola EL, Ngowi HA. DNA-Detection Based Diagnostics for Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Porcine. J Parasitol Res 2020; 2020:5706981. [PMID: 32395335 PMCID: PMC7199576 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5706981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine cysticercosis is a neglected and underestimated disease caused by metacestode stage of the tapeworm, Taenia solium (T. solium). Pigs are the intermediate hosts of T. solium while human are the only known definitive host. The disease has an economic consequence because the affected farmers lose 50-100 percent of the value of pigs if they are infected. Lack of affordable, easy to use, sensitive, and specific molecular diagnostic tools for detection of infections at the farm level hinders the control of porcine cysticercosis in endemic areas. A number of DNA based diagnostic assays for the detection of T. solium infections in pigs have been developed and evaluated but none is applicable at low-resource areas where this disease is an endemic. This review focuses mainly on DNA based diagnostic methods, their sensitivity, specificity, and utilization at low-resource areas. We summarized data from 65 studies on the current DNA-detection based diagnostic techniques for T. solium cysticercosis in porcine, published in English between the years 2000-2018, identified through PubMed search engine. Of the different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays developed for identification of T. solium, the most sensitive (97-100%) and specific (100%) one is nested PCR. One study utilized loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a diagnostic tool for the detection of T. solium infections though its field use was never determined. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has been evaluated as a diagnostic tool for a variety of diseases, but has never been exploited for the diagnosis of cysticercosis/taeniasis. In conclusion, several molecular methods have been developed and evaluated in lab settings. However, there is need to validate these methods as a diagnostic tool to diagnose porcine cysticercosis in low-resource areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell W. Waema
- Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS), Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3297, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Gerald Misinzo
- Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS), Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3297, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - John M. Kagira
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric L. Agola
- Centre of Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 3297, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helena A. Ngowi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O Box 3021, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Saelens G, Gabriël S. Currently Available Monitoring and Surveillance Systems for Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., Schistosoma spp., and Soil-Transmitted Helminths at the Control/Elimination Stage: A Systematic Review. Pathogens 2020; 9:E47. [PMID: 31935916 PMCID: PMC7168685 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing global focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has resulted in the set up of numerous control and elimination activities worldwide. This is partly true for Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis, the most important foodborne parasitic infection. Despite substantial progress, adequate monitoring and surveillance (M&S) are required to sustain a status of control/elimination. This is often lacking, especially for T. solium. Therefore, the objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of the currently available M&S systems at the control/elimination stage of the four top-ranked helminth NTDs. Specifically, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., Schistosoma spp., and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were considered to determine if there are any similarities between their M&S systems and whether certain approaches can be adopted from each other. The systematic review demonstrated that rigorous M&S systems have been designed for the control/elimination stage of both STHs and schistosomiasis, particularly in China. On the other hand, a concept of M&S for Taenia spp. and Echinococcus spp. has not been fully developed yet, due to a lack of epidemiological data and the fact that many endemic countries are far away from reaching control/elimination. Moreover, accurate diagnostic tools for all four diseases are still imperfect, which complicates proper M&S. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop and harmonize/standardize M&S activities in order to reliably determine and compare the epidemiological situation worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganna Saelens
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke B-9820, Belgium
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Recent advances in nucleic acid-based methods for detection of helminth infections and the perspective of biosensors for future development. Parasitology 2019; 147:383-392. [PMID: 31840627 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic helminth infections are responsible for severe health problems and economic losses worldwide. Timely and accurate diagnosis of helminth infections is critical for adopting suitable strategies for pathogen control. Here, we review recent advances in nucleic acid-based diagnostic methods, including polymerase chain reaction, quantitative qPCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and recombinase polymerase amplification, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages for diagnosing helminth infections. In addition, we highlight recent advances in biosensors for the detection of nucleic acid biomarkers that can potentially be used for the diagnosis of helminth infection.
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Perez-Saez J, Mande T, Zongo D, Rinaldo A. Comparative analysis of time-based and quadrat sampling in seasonal population dynamics of intermediate hosts of human schistosomes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007938. [PMID: 31860653 PMCID: PMC6957212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their importance for designing and evaluating schistosomiasis control trials, little attention in the literature has been dedicated to sampling protocols for the parasite's snail intermediate hosts since their first development. We propose a comparative analysis of time-based and quadrat sampling protocols to quantify the seasonal variations in the abundance of these aquatic snail species of medical importance. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Snail populations were monitored during 42 consecutive months in three types of habitats (ephemeral pond, ephemeral river and permanent stream) in two sites covering different climatic zones in Burkina Faso. We employed both a widely used time-based protocol of 30min of systematic collection at a weekly interval, and a quadrat protocol of 8 replicates per sample at a monthly interval. The correspondence between the two protocols was evaluated using an ensemble of statistical models including linear and saturating-type functional forms as well as allowing for count zero-inflation. The quadrat protocol yielded on average a relative standard error of 40%, for a mean snail density of 16.7 snails/m2 and index of dispersion of 1.51. Both protocols yielded similar seasonal patterns in snail abundance, confirming the asynchrony between permanent and ephemeral habitats with respect to the country's seasonal rainfall patterns. Formal model comparison of the link between time vs. quadrat counts showed strong support of saturation for the latter and measurement zero-inflation, providing important evidence for the presence of density feedbacks in the snail's population dynamics, as well as for spatial clustering. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In addition to the agreement with the time-based method, quadrat sampling provided insight into snail population dynamics and comparable density estimates across sites. The re-evaluation of these "traditional" sampling protocols, as well as the correspondence between their outputs, is of practical importance for the design and evaluation of schistosomiasis control trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Perez-Saez
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Théophile Mande
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dramane Zongo
- Départemente Biomédical et Santé publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Andrea Rinaldo
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Dipartimento ICEA, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Abstract
Over the past 20 years, RNAS+ has been generating research results from highly collaborative projects meant to promote and advance understanding in various aspects of schistosomiasis. Epidemiological studies in endemic countries like the Philippines, the People's Republic of China (PR China), the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Cambodia clarified the role of reservoir hosts in transmission and the use of spatio-temporal methods such as remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) in surveillance of schistosomiasis. Morbidity studies proposed factors that might influence development of fibrosis, anaemia and malnutrition in schistosomiasis. Immune responses in schistosomiasis continue to be an interesting focus in research to explain possible development of resistance with age. Results of evaluation of candidate vaccine molecules are also presented. New diagnostics are continually being developed in response to the call for more sensitive and field applicable techniques that will be used for surveillance in areas nearing elimination of the disease. Several studies presented here show the insufficiency of mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel in eliminating the disease. Emphasis is given to an integrated control approach that can be accomplished through intensive and extensive intersectoral collaboration.
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Leonardo L, Bergquist R, Olveda R, Satrija F, Sripa B, Sayasone S, Khieu V, Willingham AL, Utzinger J, Zhou XN. From country control programmes to translational research. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 105:69-93. [PMID: 31530396 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
From the time it was conceptualized in 1998 to the present, RNAS+ has largely concentrated on research that will generate results to facilitate control, prevention and elimination of its target diseases. Diagnostics has remained an active field of research in order to develop tools that are appropriate for each stage from the first efforts until attempts to block transmission. For example, with regard to schistosomiasis, chemotherapy has excellent impact on morbidity, while better diagnostics and vaccine research have been promoted to complement the other components of the control programme. The need for surveillance in areas where the prevalence has been brought down to very low levels necessitated development of spatio-temporal tools and ecological models based on geographical information systems (GIS) to produce risk and distribution maps for monitoring and evaluation of programme success. New knowledge and experiences in management of the diseases contribute to the formulation of new schemes in management and treatment. Ways of drawing attention to the disease, such as determining disability weights for use in computation of burden of disease, updating epidemiological profile and unravelling new aspects of the disease provide bases for modifying the operation of control programmes as we move forward. Programme evaluation based on reports of actual implementation of activities brought to the fore problems related to the distribution of chemotherapy as well as social, cultural and behavioural aspects of endemic communities. Importantly, this highlighted the necessity of adapting control activities to specific situations of the endemic areas. New models evolving from reviews of this kind and success stories, such us the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in PR China and Cambodia are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Leonardo
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Graduate School, Quezon City, Philippines
| | | | - Remigio Olveda
- Asian Tropical Foundation, Filinvest Corporate City, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine Compound, Muntinlupa, Philippines
| | - Fadjar Satrija
- Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), JL. Agatis, Kampus IPB, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Banchob Sripa
- Department of Pathology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Vientianne, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Helminth Control Program, National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Arve Lee Willingham
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Juerg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, China; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, China, Shanghai, China.
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Chapman PA, Cribb TH, Flint M, Traub RJ, Blair D, Kyaw-Tanner MT, Mills PC. Spirorchiidiasis in marine turtles: the current state of knowledge. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 133:217-245. [PMID: 31187736 DOI: 10.3354/dao03348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae are important disease agents in marine turtles. The family is near cosmopolitan in distribution. Twenty-nine marine species across 10 genera are currently recognized, but taxonomic problems remain and it is likely that more species will be discovered. Spirorchiids infect the circulatory system, where they and their eggs cause a range of inflammatory lesions. Infection is sometimes implicated in the death of the turtle. In some regions, prevalence in stranded turtles is close to 100%. Knowledge of life cycles, important for control and epidemiological studies, has proven elusive until recently, when the first intermediate host identifications were made. Recent molecular studies of eggs and adult worms indicate that a considerable level of intrageneric and intraspecific diversity exists. The characterization of this diversity is likely to be of importance in exploring parasite taxonomy and ecology, unravelling life cycles, identifying the differential pathogenicity of genotypes and species, and developing antemortem diagnostic tools, all of which are major priorities for future spirorchiid research. Diagnosis to date has been reliant on copromicroscopy or necropsy, which both have significant limitations. The current lack of reliable antemortem diagnostic options is a roadblock to determining the true prevalence and epidemiology of spirorchiidiasis and the development of effective treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe A Chapman
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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Deng MH, Zhong LY, Kamolnetr O, Limpanont Y, Lv ZY. Detection of helminths by loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay: a review of updated technology and future outlook. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:20. [PMID: 30905322 PMCID: PMC6432754 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helminths are endemic in more than half of the world's countries, raising serious public health concerns. Accurate diagnosis of helminth infection is crucial to control strategies. Traditional parasitological methods, serological tests and PCR-based assays are the major means of the diagnosis of helminth infection, but they are time-consuming and/or expensive, and sometimes provide inaccurate results. Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, a sensitive, simple and rapid method was therefore developed for detection of helminths. This study aims to discuss the current status of application of LAMP on helminths detection and to make a comprehensive evaluation about this updated technology and its future outlook by comparing with several other diagnostic methods. MAIN BODY This review summarizes LAMP assay applied for helminth detection and helminthiasis surveillance. The basic principle of LAMP is introduced to help better understand its characteristics and each reported assay is assessed mainly based on its detection sensitivity, specificity and limitations, in comparison with other common diagnostic tests. Moreover, we discuss the limitations of the assays so as to clarify some potential ways of improvement. CONCLUSIONS Here, we summarize and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and promising future of LAMP in heliminth detection, which is expected to help update current knowledge and future perspectives of LAMP in highly sensitive and specific diagnosis and surveillance of helminthiasis and other parasitic diseases, and can contribute to the elimination of the diseases from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Han Deng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Lan-Yi Zhong
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Okanurak Kamolnetr
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080 China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080 China
- Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 519000 China
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Field Evaluation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Platform for the Detection of Schistosoma japonicum Infection in Oncomelania hupensis Snails. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3040124. [PMID: 30558259 PMCID: PMC6306868 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma infection in snails can be monitored by microscopy or indirectly by sentinel mice. As both these approaches can miss infections, more sensitive tests are needed, particularly in low-level transmission settings. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, designed to detect a specific 28S ribosomal Schistosoma japonicum (Sj28S) gene with high sensitivity, was compared to microscopy using snail samples from 51 areas endemic for schistosomiasis in five Chinese provinces. In addition, the results were compared with those from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by adding DNA sequencing as a reference. The testing of pooled snail samples with the LAMP assay showed that a dilution factor of 1/50, i.e., one infected snail plus 49 non-infected ones, would still result in a positive reaction after the recommended number of amplification cycles. Testing a total of 232 pooled samples, emanating from 4006 snail specimens, showed a rate of infection of 6.5%, while traditional microscopy found only 0.4% positive samples in the same materials. Parallel PCR analysis confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of the LAMP assay, with DNA sequencing even giving LAMP a slight lead. Microscopy and the LAMP test were carried out at local schistosomiasis-control stations, demonstrating that the potential of the latter assay to serve as a point-of-care (POC) test with results available within 60–90 min, while the more complicated PCR test had to be carried out at the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD) in Shanghai, China. In conclusion, LAMP was found to be clearly superior to microscopy and as good as, or better than, PCR. As it can be used under field conditions and requires less time than other techniques, LAMP testing would improve and accelerate schistosomiasis control.
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma, with considerable morbidity in parts of the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia and, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa. Infective larvae grow in an intermediate host (fresh-water snails) before penetrating the skin of the definitive human host. Mature adult worms reside in the mesenteric (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum) or pelvic (Schistosoma haematobium) veins, where female worms lay eggs, which are secreted in stool or urine. Eggs trapped in the surrounding tissues and organs, such as the liver and bladder, cause inflammatory immune responses (including granulomas) that result in intestinal, hepato-splenic or urogenital disease. Diagnosis requires the detection of eggs in excreta or worm antigens in the serum, and sensitive, rapid, point-of-care tests for populations living in endemic areas are needed. The anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel is safe and efficacious against adult worms of all the six Schistosoma spp. infecting humans; however, it does not prevent reinfection and the emergence of drug resistance is a concern. Schistosomiasis elimination will require a multifaceted approach, including: treatment; snail control; information, education and communication; improved water, sanitation and hygiene; accurate diagnostics; and surveillance-response systems that are readily tailored to social-ecological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - David W Dunne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Moussa Sacko
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Research, Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Birgitte J Vennervald
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, McManus DP. DNA Diagnostics for Schistosomiasis Control. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3030081. [PMID: 30274477 PMCID: PMC6160968 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive efforts over the last few decades, the global disease burden of schistosomiasis still remains unacceptably high. This could partly be attributed to the lack of accurate diagnostic tools for detecting human and animal schistosome infections in endemic areas. In low transmission and low prevalence areas where schistosomiasis elimination is targeted, case detection requires a test that is highly sensitive. Diagnostic tests with low sensitivity will miss individuals with low infection intensity and these will continue to contribute to transmission, thereby interfering with the efficacy of the control measures operating. Of the many diagnostic approaches undertaken to date, the detection of schistosome DNA using DNA amplification techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provide valuable adjuncts to more conventional microscopic and serological methods, due their accuracy, high sensitivity, and the capacity to detect early pre-patent infections. Furthermore, DNA-based methods represent important screening tools, particularly in those endemic areas with ongoing control where infection prevalence and intensity have been reduced to very low levels. Here we review the role of DNA diagnostics in the path towards the control and elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
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Gandasegui J, Fernández-Soto P, Dacal E, Rodríguez E, Saugar JM, Yepes E, Aznar-Ruiz-de-Alegría ML, Espasa M, Ninda A, Bocanegra C, Salvador F, Sulleiro E, Moreno M, Vicente B, López-Abán J, Muro A. Field and laboratory comparative evaluation of a LAMP assay for the diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in Cubal, Central Angola. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:992-1001. [PMID: 29920859 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of Rapid-Heat LAMPellet assay in field conditions for diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in an endemic area in Cubal, Angola, and to assess the reproducibility in a reference laboratory. METHODS A total of 172 urine samples from school-age children were tested for microhaematuria, microscopic detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs and LAMP for DNA detection. Urine samples were stored in a basic equipped laboratory. Field-LAMP tests were performed with and without prior DNA extraction from urine samples, and the results were read by turbidity and by colour change. When field procedures were finished, samples were sent to a reference laboratory to be reanalysed by LAMP. RESULTS A total of 83 of 172 (48.3%) were positive for microhaematuria, 87/172 (50.6%) were microscopy-positive for S. haematobium eggs detection, and 127/172 (73.8%) showed LAMP-positive results for detecting S. haematobium using purified DNA and 109/172 (63.4%) without prior DNA extraction. MacNemar's test showed a statistical significant relation between LAMP results and microscopy-detected S. haematobium infections and microhaematuria (P < 0.001 in both cases), respectively. When samples of purified DNA were reanalysed in a reference laboratory in Spain using the same LAMP methodology, the overall reproducibility achieved 72.1%. CONCLUSIONS The ease of use, simplicity and feasibility demonstrated by LAMP assay in field conditions together with the acceptable level of reproducibility achieved in a reference laboratory support the use of LAMP assay as an effective test for molecular diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Dacal
- Department of Parasitology, National Centre for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esperanza Rodríguez
- Department of Parasitology, National Centre for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Saugar
- Department of Parasitology, National Centre for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Edward Yepes
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Mateu Espasa
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Bocanegra
- Special Program for Infectious Diseases Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Sulleiro
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Belén Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Faculty of Pharmacy, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Gandasegui J, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A, Simões Barbosa C, Lopes de Melo F, Loyo R, de Souza Gomes EC. A field survey using LAMP assay for detection of Schistosoma mansoni in a low-transmission area of schistosomiasis in Umbuzeiro, Brazil: Assessment in human and snail samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018. [PMID: 29534072 PMCID: PMC5849311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Brazil, schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of public health relevance, mainly in poor areas where Schistosoma mansoni is the only human species encountered and Biomphalaria straminea is one of the intermediate host snails. A nested-PCR based on a specific mitochondrial S. mansoni minisatellite DNA region has been successfully developed and applied as a reference method in Brazil for S. mansoni detection, mainly in host snails for epidemiological studies. The amplification efficiency of LAMP is known to be higher than PCR. The present work aimed to assess the utility of our previously described SmMIT-LAMP assay for S. mansoni detection in human stool and snail samples in a low-transmission area of schistosomiasis in the municipality of Umbuzeiro, Paraíba State, Northeast Region of Brazil. Methodology/Principal findings A total of 427 human stool samples were collected during June-July 2016 in the municipality of Umbuzeiro and an overall prevalence of 3.04% (13/427) resulted positive by duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear. A total of 1,175 snails identified as Biomphalaria straminea were collected from 14 breeding sites along the Paraíba riverbank and distributed in 46 pools. DNA from human stool samples and pooled snails was extracted using the phenol/chloroform method. When performing the SmMIT-LAMP assay a total of 49/162 (30.24%) stool samples resulted positive, including 12/13 (92.31%) that were Kato-Katz positive and 37/149 (24.83%) previously Kato-Katz negative. By nested-PCR, only 1/46 pooled DNA snail samples was positive. By SmMIT-LAMP assay, the same sample also resulted positive and an additional one was positive from a different breeding site. Data of human and snail surveys were used to build risk maps of schistosomiasis incidence using kernel density analysis. Conclusions/Significance This is the first study in which a LAMP assay was evaluated in both human stool and snail samples from a low-transmission schistosomiasis-endemic area. Our SmMIT-LAMP proved to be much more efficient in detection of S. mansoni in comparison to the 'gold standard' Kato-Katz method in human stool samples and the reference molecular nested-PCR in snails. The SmMIT-LAMP has demonstrated to be a useful molecular tool to identify potential foci of transmission in order to build risk maps of schistosomiasis. In Brazil, around 1.8 million people, mostly in the northeastern region of the country, are thought to be infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Snails of the genus Biomphalaria serve as intermediate hosts of the S. mansoni. A special program for schistosomiasis control was implemented more than 40 years ago in Brazil, decreasing prevalence, morbidity, and mortality over the past years. PCR-based diagnostic methods have been successfully applied in a few endemic areas of schistosomiasis in Brazil, although they are not still widely used due to the highly technical requirements making them unviable for routine application in field conditions. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology could be a powerful tool to apply for point-of-care testing in resource-poor settings. In previous work, a LAMP-based method to detect S. mansoni DNA, called SmMIT-LAMP, was developed by our research group to detect S. mansoni DNA testing stool samples from experimentally infected mice. Here, with the aim to apply SmMIT-LAMP as a cost-effective molecular tool for the detection of S. mansoni in field applicable conditions, we assess SmMIT-LAMP in human and snail samples collected in an endemic area of Brazil. The results obtained by Kato-Katz analysis of human stool samples and nested-PCR performed in snails were compared with the SmMIT-LAMP assay. It is the first time that a LAMP-based method has been used to identify potential transmission foci and to evaluate the epidemiological risk of acquiring schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail: (PFS); (AM)
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail: (PFS); (AM)
| | - Constança Simões Barbosa
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fabio Lopes de Melo
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Loyo
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Elainne Christine de Souza Gomes
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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He P, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Li Y, Wang Y, Hu J, Gray DJ, Ross AG, Harn D, McManus DP. Real-time PCR diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum in low transmission areas of China. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:8. [PMID: 29394958 PMCID: PMC5796516 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) can be traced back to antiquity. In the past 60 years, the Chinese government has made great efforts to control this persistent disease with elimination slated by 2020 through the implementation of a comprehensive control strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the role of bovines and humans as sources of infection as a pre-requisite for elimination through transmission interruption. The goal of elimination will be achievable only by the implementation of a sustainable surveillance and control system, with sensitive diagnosis a key feature so that the true disease burden is not underestimated. Currently used diagnostics lack the necessary sensitivity to accurately determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in areas with low infection intensities. It is of critical importance to find and treat people and to identify animals with low-level infections if the National Control Programme for China is to achieve schistosomiasis elimination. Methods We evaluated a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay using 633 human stool samples collected from five villages in Hunan, Anhui, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces, and 182 bovine (70 cattle and 112 buffalo) stool samples obtained from four villages in Hunan, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces in the PRC. All stool samples were subjected to the miracidium hatching test (MHT, a diagnostic procedure used in the National Schistosomiasis Control Programme) and the qPCR assay. Samples positive by MHT were subjected to either the Kato-Katz technique for humans, or the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation-digestion (FEA-SD) procedure for bovines, to determine infection intensities. Results The qPCR assay exhibited a high level of sensitivity in the detection of S. japonicum infections. With both the human and bovine samples, a significantly higher prevalence was determined using the qPCR assay (11.06% humans, 24.73% bovines) than with the MHT (0.93% humans, 7.69% bovines). The animal contamination index (calculated using data obtained with the qPCR technique) for all positive bovines was 27 618 000 eggs per day, indicating a considerable amount of environmental egg contamination that would be underestimated using less sensitive diagnostic procedures. Conclusions The qPCR assay we have evaluated will be applicable as a future field diagnostic and surveillance tool in low-transmission zones where schistosomiasis elimination is targeted and for monitoring post-intervention areas to verify that elimination has been maintained. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0390-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei He
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Gail M Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China.,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjian Hu
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Darren J Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald Harn
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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DNA detection of Trypanosoma evansi: Diagnostic validity of a new assay based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Vet Parasitol 2017; 250:1-6. [PMID: 29329617 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is the most widely spread pathogenic trypanosome in the world. The control of trypanosomiasis depends on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Focusing on the presence of T. evansi in Asia, we developed a detection assay based on tracing phosphate ions (Pi) generated during LAMP targeting the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene of Rode Trypanozoon antigenic type 1.2 (RoTat 1.2 VSG). The diagnostic potential as well as the use of the assay as a test-of-cure method after berenil treatment, was assessed in mice at different time points of infection. In addition, 67 buffalo blood collected from Tongling county, Anhui province, as well as 42 cattle sera from the Shanghai area, were used to evaluate the diagnostic validity of the test. The detection limit of the novel LAMP assay was determined to be as low as 1 fg of T. evansi DNA, while the reaction time for the test was only 30min. Hence it outperforms both microscopy and PCR. In the test-of-cure assessment, successful berenil mediated cure could be confirmed within 48h after treatment. This offers a tremendous advantage over conventional antibody-based diagnostic tools in which successful cure only can be confirmed after months. In the cattle and buffalo screening, the LAMP was able to detect a false-negative determined sample, wrongly classified in a conventional microscopy and PCR screening. Finally, no cross-reactivity was observed with other zoonotic parasites, such as T. evansi type B, T. congolense, T. brucei, Schistosoma japonicum, Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani, Toxoplasma gondii and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. We conclude that the novel LAMP assay is sensitive, specific and convenient for field use, particularly in areas where infection incidence has become extremely low. The LAMP assay could be used as a tool for trypanosomiasis control and elimination strategies in areas where T. evansi Type A infections are causing a threat to livestock farming.
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Droplet Digital PCR Diagnosis of Human Schistosomiasis: Parasite Cell-Free DNA Detection in Diverse Clinical Samples. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1611-1622. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Li F, Ma S, Li Y, Tan H, Hou X, Ren G, Cai K. Impact of the Three Gorges project on ecological environment changes and snail distribution in Dongting Lake area. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005661. [PMID: 28683113 PMCID: PMC5500280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) is a remarkable, far-reaching project in China. This study was conducted to assess the impact of TGD on changes in the ecological environment, snail distribution and schistosomiasis transmission in Dongting Lake area. METHODS Hydrological data were collected from 12 monitoring sites in Hunan section of Yangtze River before and after TGD was established. Data on snail distribution and human schistosomiasis infection were also collected. Correlation analyses were performed to detect the significance of snail distribution to changes in ecological environmental factors and human schistosomiasis infection. FINDINGS A series of ecological environmental factors have changed in Dongting Lake area following the operation of TGD. Volume of annual runoff discharged into Dongting Lake declined by 20.85%. Annual sediment volume discharged into the lake and the mean lake sedimentation rate decreased by 73.9% and 32.2%, respectively. From 2003 to 2015, occurrence rate of frames with living snails and mean density of living snails decreased overall by 82.43% and 94.35%, respectively, with annual decrements being 13.49% and 21.29%. Moreover, human infection rate of schistosomiasis had decreased from 3.38% in 2003 to 0.44% in 2015, with a reduction of 86.98%. Correlation analyses showed that mean density of living snails was significantly associated with water level (r = 0.588, p<0.001), as well as the mean elevation range of the bottomland (r = 0.374, p = 0.025) and infection rate of schistosomiasis (r = 0.865, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Ecological environmental changes caused by the TGD were associated with distribution of snails, and might further affect the transmission and prevalence of schistosomiasis. Risk of schistosomiasis transmission still exists in Dongting Lake area and long-term monitoring is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyue Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Prevention and Control, Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
| | - Shujuan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- Department of Prevention and Control, Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
| | - Hongzhuan Tan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xunya Hou
- Department of Science and Education, Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
| | - Guanghui Ren
- Department of Prevention and Control, Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
| | - Kaiping Cai
- Department of Prevention and Control, Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
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Xing W, Yu X, Feng J, Sun K, Fu W, Wang Y, Zou M, Xia W, Luo Z, He H, Li Y, Xu D. Field evaluation of a recombinase polymerase amplification assay for the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum infection in Hunan province of China. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:164. [PMID: 28222680 PMCID: PMC5320755 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current diagnostic methods for Schistosoma japonicum infection are insensitive for low-density infections. Therefore, a new diagnostic assay based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology was established and assessed for field applification. Methods The S.japonicum RPA assay was developed to target highly repetitive retrotransposon SjR2 gene of S japonicum, and its sensitivity and specificity were assessed by serial dilution of S. japonicum genomic DNA and other related worm genomic DNA respectively. The RPA diagnostic validity was first evaluated in 60 fecal samples from healthy people and patients, and then compared with other diagnostic tests in 200 high-risk individuals living in endemic areas. Results The real time RPA assay could detect 0.9 fg S. japonicum DNA within 15 min and distinguish S. japonicum from other worms. The validity analysis of RPA for the detection of S. japonicum in stool samples from 30 S. japonicum-infected patients and 30 healthy persons indicated 100% sensitivity and specificity. When testing 200 fecal or serum samples from a high-risk population, the percentage sensitivity of RPA was 100%, whereas that of indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were 80.3% and 85.2% respectively. In addition, the RPA presented better consistency with the stool-based tests than IHA and ELISA. Overall, the RPA was superior to other detection methods with respect to detection time, sensitivity, and convenience. Conclusions This is the first time we applied the RPA technology to the field evaluation of S. japonicum infection. And the results suggest that RPA-based assays can be used as a promising point-of-care test for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Xing
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinling Yu
- The key laboratory of Immune and Control of Schistosomiasis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Hunan, China
| | - Jingtao Feng
- The key laboratory of Immune and Control of Schistosomiasis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Hunan, China
| | - Kui Sun
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenliang Fu
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minji Zou
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenrong Xia
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Luo
- The key laboratory of Immune and Control of Schistosomiasis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Hunan, China
| | - Hongbin He
- The key laboratory of Immune and Control of Schistosomiasis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Hunan, China
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donggang Xu
- The Laboratory of genomic engineering, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Use of Molecular Methods for the Rapid Mass Detection of Schistosoma mansoni (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) in Biomphalaria spp. (Gastropoda: Planorbidae). J Trop Med 2017; 2017:8628971. [PMID: 28246533 PMCID: PMC5299187 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8628971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The low stringency-polymerase chain reaction (LS-PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays were used to detect the presence of S. mansoni DNA in (1) Brazilian intermediate hosts (Biomphalaria glabrata, B. straminea, and B. tenagophila) with patent S. mansoni infections, (2) B. glabrata snails with prepatent S. mansoni infections, (3) various mixtures of infected and noninfected snails; and (4) snails infected with other trematode species. The assays showed high sensitivity and specificity and could detect S. mansoni DNA when one positive snail was included in a pool of 1,000 negative specimens of Biomphalaria. These molecular approaches can provide a low-cost, effective, and rapid method for detecting the presence of S. mansoni in pooled samples of field-collected Biomphalaria. These assays should aid mapping of transmission sites in endemic areas, especially in low prevalence regions and improve schistosomiasis surveillance. It will be a useful tool to monitor low infection rates of snails in areas where control interventions are leading towards the elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Gandasegui J, Fernández-Soto P, Hernández-Goenaga J, López-Abán J, Vicente B, Muro A. Biompha-LAMP: A New Rapid Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detecting Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata Snail Host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005225. [PMID: 27941967 PMCID: PMC5179122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis remains one of the most common endemic parasitic diseases affecting over 230 million people worlwide. Schistosoma mansoni is the main species causing intestinal and hepatic schistosomiasis and the fresh water pulmonate snails of the genus Biomphalaria are best known for their role as intermediate hosts of the parasite. The development of new molecular monitoring assays for large-scale screening of snails from transmission sites to detect the presence of schistosomes is an important point to consider for snail control interventions related to schistosomiasis elimination. Our work was focussed on developing and evaluating a new LAMP assay combined with a simple DNA extraction method to detect S. mansoni in experimentally infected snails as a diagnostic tool for field conditions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A LAMP assay using a set of six primers targeting a sequence of S. mansoni ribosomal intergenic spacer 28S-18S rRNA was designed. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was 0.1 fg of S. mansoni DNA at 63°C for 50 minutes. LAMP was evaluated by examining S. mansoni DNA in B. glabrata snails experimentally exposed to miracidia at different times post-exposure: early prepatent period (before cercarial shedding), light infections (snails exposed to a low number of miracidia) and detection of infected snails in pooled samples (within a group of uninfected snails). DNA for LAMP assays was obtained by using a commercial DNA extraction kit or a simple heat NaOH extraction method. We detected S. mansoni DNA in all groups of snails by using no complicated requirement procedure for DNA obtaining. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our LAMP assay, named Biompha-LAMP, is specific, sensitive, rapid and potentially adaptable as a cost-effective method for screening of intermediate hosts infected with S. mansoni in both individual snails and pooled samples. The assay could be suitable for large-scale field surveys for schistosomes control campaigns in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO). IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO). IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Hernández-Goenaga
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO). IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO). IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO). IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Group (e-INTRO). IBSAL-CIETUS (Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Xu J, Steinman P, Maybe D, Zhou XN, Lv S, Li SZ, Peeling R. Evolution of the National Schistosomiasis Control Programmes in The People's Republic of China. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 92:1-38. [PMID: 27137441 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is caused by the parasitic trematode Schistosoma japonicum. It is endemic in The People's Republic of China and has significant impact on human health and socioeconomic development in certain regions. Over the last six decades, the national control programmes evolved in remarkable ways and brought schistosomiasis japonica largely under control. We describe the history and evolution of schistosomiasis control in The People's Republic of China, with an emphasis on shifts in control strategies that evolved with new insights into the biology of the parasite and its intermediate hosts, and the epidemiology of the disease in the country. We also highlight the achievements in controlling the disease in different socioecological settings, and identify persisting challenges to fully eliminate schistosomiasis japonica from the country. To reach the goal of schistosomiasis elimination, further integration of interventions, multisector collaboration, sensitive and effective surveillance are needed to strengthen.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - P Steinman
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Basel Universities, Basel, Switzerland
| | - D Maybe
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - X-N Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - S Lv
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - S-Z Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - R Peeling
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Li ZJ, Ge J, Dai JR, Wen LY, Lin DD, Madsen H, Zhou XN, Lv S. Biology and Control of Snail Intermediate Host of Schistosoma japonicum in The People's Republic of China. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 92:197-236. [PMID: 27137448 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum is a severe parasitic disease in The People's Republic of China and imposed considerable burden on human and domestic animal health and socioeconomic development. The significant achievement in schistosomiasis control has been made in last 60years. Oncomelania hupensis as the only intermediate host of S. japonicum plays a key role in disease transmission. The habitat complexity of the snails challenges to effective control. In this review we share the experiences in control and research of O. hupensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z-J Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Nanchang, The People's Republic of China
| | - J Ge
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Nanchang, The People's Republic of China
| | - J-R Dai
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, The People's Republic of China
| | - L-Y Wen
- Zhejiang Academy of Medical Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China; Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, The People's Republic of China
| | - D-D Lin
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Nanchang, The People's Republic of China
| | - H Madsen
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - X-N Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - S Lv
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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40
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Xu J, Bergquist R, Qian YJ, Wang Q, Yu Q, Peeling R, Croft S, Guo JG, Zhou XN. China-Africa and China-Asia Collaboration on Schistosomiasis Control: A SWOT Analysis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 92:435-66. [PMID: 27137455 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by a trematode, parasitic worm, is a worldwide public health problem. In spite of great progress with regard to morbidity control, even elimination of this infection in recent decades, there are still challenges to overcome in sub-Saharan Africa and endemic areas in Southeast Asia. Regarded as one of the most successful countries with respect to schistosomiasis control, The People's Republic of China has accumulated considerable experience and learnt important lessons in various local settings that could benefit schistosomiasis control in other endemic countries. Based on an analysis of conceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of potential collaborative activities with regard to schistosomiasis in Africa and Asia, this article addresses the importance of collaborative efforts and explores the priorities that would be expected to facilitate the transfer of Chinese experience to low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - R Bergquist
- Geospatial Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Y-J Qian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - Q Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - Q Yu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
| | - R Peeling
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Croft
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - J-G Guo
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - X-N Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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He P, Song LG, Xie H, Liang JY, Yuan DY, Wu ZD, Lv ZY. Nucleic acid detection in the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:25. [PMID: 27025210 PMCID: PMC4812660 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0116-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease that causes serious harms to humans and animals. Surveillance and diagnosis play key roles in schistosomiasis control, however, current techniques for surveillance and diagnosis of the disease have limitations. As genome data for parasites are increasing, novel techniques for detection incorporating nucleotide sequences are receiving widespread attention. These sensitive, specific, and rapid detection methods are particularly important in the diagnosis of low-grade and early infections, and may prove to have clinical significance. This paper reviews the progress of nucleic acid detection in the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis, including such aspects as the selection of target genes, and development and application of nucleic acid detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping He
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Medical School, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082, China
| | - Lan-Gui Song
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin-Yi Liang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Dong-Ya Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Medical School, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082, China
| | - Zhong-Dao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Xu J, Yu Q, Tchuenté LAT, Bergquist R, Sacko M, Utzinger J, Lin DD, Yang K, Zhang LJ, Wang Q, Li SZ, Guo JG, Zhou XN. Enhancing collaboration between China and African countries for schistosomiasis control. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:376-83. [PMID: 26851829 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)00360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains an important public health issue, with a large number of cases reported across sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia and Latin America. China was once highly endemic, but has made substantial progress and is moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis. Meanwhile, despite long-term, repeated, school-based chemotherapy in many African countries, more than 90% of all schistosomiasis cases are concentrated in Africa, and hence, this continent constitutes the key challenge for schistosomiasis control. Opportunities and issues for international collaboration in the fight against schistosomiasis are outlined with a focus on China's experiences, including the role of public health authorities and intersectoral collaboration, use of new and effective snail control approaches and diagnostic tools adapted to the specific stage of control, as well as the strengthening of risk mapping and surveillance-response mechanisms. Training courses targeting African governmental officials and professionals, coupled with field visits of African scientists and control programme managers to China, and vice versa, are considered important for improved schistosomiasis control and elimination. The crucial question remains whether the Chinese experience can be translated and applied in African countries to improve the effectiveness of health interventions and scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Moussa Sacko
- National Institute for Research in Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dan-Dan Lin
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Wuxi, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Gang Guo
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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Zhang LJ, Li SZ, Wen LY, Lin DD, Abe E, Zhu R, Du Y, Lv S, Xu J, Webster B, Rollinson D, Zhou XN. The Establishment and Function of Schistosomiasis Surveillance System Towards Elimination in The People's Republic of China. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 92:117-41. [PMID: 27137445 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum is the main schistosome species in The People's Republic of China, causing intestinal schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease of public health importance. The People's Republic of China used to be heavily endemic with schistosomiasis, but great progress has been made through the vigorous efforts of the national control programmes in the last six decades. Presently, efforts are geared towards eliminating schistosomiasis from The People's Republic of China by the end of 2025 through effective schistosomiasis surveillance, an important component in the drive towards schistosomiasis elimination. Therefore, this article explicitly outlines the development and progress made in schistosomiasis surveillance since 1990 with a special focus on the new surveillance system in use. Although the surveillance system has steadily improved over the years, it is faced with many challenges. Hence, more efforts are needed to establish an effective and sensitive evaluation system for the national schistosomiasis elimination programme in The People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease that afflicts more than 240 million people, including many children and young adults, in the tropics and subtropics. The disease is characterized by chronic infections with significant residual morbidity and is of considerable public health importance, with substantial socioeconomic impacts on impoverished communities. Morbidity reduction and eventual elimination through integrated intervention measures are the focuses of current schistosomiasis control programs. Precise diagnosis of schistosome infections, in both mammalian and snail intermediate hosts, will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Nevertheless, despite extensive efforts over several decades, the search for sensitive and specific diagnostics for schistosomiasis is ongoing. Here we review the area, paying attention to earlier approaches but emphasizing recent developments in the search for new diagnostics for schistosomiasis with practical applications in the research laboratory, the clinic, and the field. Careful and rigorous validation of these assays and their cost-effectiveness will be needed, however, prior to their adoption in support of policy decisions for national public health programs aimed at the control and elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Gandasegui J, Fernández-Soto P, Carranza-Rodríguez C, Pérez-Arellano JL, Vicente B, López-Abán J, Muro A. The Rapid-Heat LAMPellet Method: A Potential Diagnostic Method for Human Urogenital Schistosomiasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003963. [PMID: 26230990 PMCID: PMC4521856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Urogenital schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium is a serious underestimated public health problem affecting 112 million people - particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Microscopic examination of urine samples to detect parasite eggs still remains as definitive diagnosis. This work was focussed on developing a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of S. haematobium DNA in human urine samples as a high-throughput, simple, accurate and affordable diagnostic tool to use in diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis. Methodology/Principal Findings A LAMP assay targeting a species specific sequence of S. haematobium ribosomal intergenic spacer was designed. The effectiveness of our LAMP was assessed in a number of patients´ urine samples with microscopy confirmed S. haematobium infection. For potentially large-scale application in field conditions, different DNA extraction methods, including a commercial kit, a modified NaOH extraction method and a rapid heating method were tested using small volumes of urine fractions (whole urine, supernatants and pellets). The heating of pellets from clinical samples was the most efficient method to obtain good-quality DNA detectable by LAMP. The detection limit of our LAMP was 1 fg/µL of S. haematobium DNA in urine samples. When testing all patients´ urine samples included in our study, diagnostic parameters for sensitivity and specificity were calculated for LAMP assay, 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 81.32%-100%) and 86.67% specificity (95% CI: 75.40%-94.05%), and also for microscopy detection of eggs in urine samples, 69.23% sensitivity (95% CI: 48.21% -85.63%) and 100% specificity (95% CI: 93.08%-100%). Conclusions/Significance We have developed and evaluated, for the first time, a LAMP assay for detection of S. haematobium DNA in heated pellets from patients´ urine samples using no complicated requirement procedure for DNA extraction. The procedure has been named the Rapid-Heat LAMPellet method and has the potential to be developed further as a field diagnostic tool for use in urogenital schistosomiasis-endemic areas. Human schistosomiasis is a disease caused by several species of parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma that is affecting 200 million people, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Most people are infected with Schistosoma haematobium, the species that causes urogenital schistosomiasis and also bladder cancer in many chronic infections. The definitive diagnostic test is based on microscopic examination of urine samples to detect parasite eggs. This method has low sensitivity, high day-to-day variability and cannot be carried out in the acute phase of the disease since the parasite has not started yet to lay eggs. New high-throughput diagnostic tools would be desirable, permitting early treatment and preventing the pathology associated with chronic infections. An interesting approach is the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique because of its simplicity in operation and potential use in clinical diagnosis and surveillance of infectious diseases. In this study, we developed and evaluated a LAMP assay for detection of S. haematobium DNA in patients´ urine samples using heated pellets with no complicated requirement procedure for DNA extraction, namely the Rapid-Heat LAMPellet method. This is a new, easy, rapid and cost-effective LAMP method that should prove useful for mass screening in limited-resource settings in urogenital schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Cristina Carranza-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Luis Pérez-Arellano
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Wang DG, Brewster JD, Paul M, Tomasula PM. Two methods for increased specificity and sensitivity in loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Molecules 2015; 20:6048-59. [PMID: 25853320 PMCID: PMC6272222 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20046048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The technique of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) utilizes four (or six) primers targeting six (or eight) regions within a fairly small segment of a genome for amplification, with concentration higher than that used in traditional PCR methods. The high concentrations of primers used leads to an increased likelihood of non-specific amplification induced by primer dimers. In this study, a set of LAMP primers were designed targeting the prfA gene sequence of Listeria monocytogenes, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as well as Touchdown LAMP were employed to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP reactions. The results indicate that the detection limit of this novel LAMP assay with the newly designed primers and additives was 10 fg per reaction, which is ten-fold more sensitive than a commercial Isothermal Amplification Kit and hundred-fold more sensitive than previously reported LAMP assays. This highly sensitive LAMP assay has been shown to detect 11 strains of Listeria monocytogenes, and does not detect other Listeria species (including Listeria innocua and Listeria invanovii), providing some advantages in specificity over commercial Isothermal Amplification Kits and previously reported LAMP assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Guo Wang
- Henan Postdoctoral Research Base, Food and Bioengineering College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China.
| | - Jeffrey D Brewster
- Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA.
| | - Moushumi Paul
- Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA.
| | - Peggy M Tomasula
- Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA.
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Utzinger J, Brattig NW, Leonardo L, Zhou XN, Bergquist R. Progress in research, control and elimination of helminth infections in Asia. Acta Trop 2015; 141:135-45. [PMID: 25446170 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Global health has substantially improved over the past 20 years. In low- and middle-income countries, in particular, great strives have been made in the control of communicable diseases, including helminth infections. Nevertheless, the most marginalised communities still suffer from infectious diseases that are intimately connected with poverty and lack of access to essential commodities and services, such as clean water, improved sanitation and sufficient food. A two-pronged approach is thus necessary: (i) intensifying control in remaining high-endemicity areas and pockets of high transmission; and (ii) moving from morbidity control to interruption of disease transmission in low-endemicity areas with the goal of local elimination. The latter will require new tools and strategies, going hand-in-hand with strong partnerships and new strategic alliances. In this special issue of Acta Tropica, 35 articles are featured that, together, provide an up-to-date overview of the latest progress made in research, control and elimination of helminth infections in East and Southeast Asia. The first 12 articles expound tools and approaches for improved detection, surveillance and monitoring of helminth infections. Control and elimination approaches for the most important helminth infections are revisited in the next 20 articles. The three remaining articles are cross-cutting pieces examining the interface of agriculture, environment and helminth infections and providing a rationale for integrated, multi-sectorial control approaches that are necessary for sustaining helminthiasis control and progressively moving towards elimination. An interesting aspect revealed through an in-depth analysis of the provenance of the 35 contributions is that the People's Republic of China emerges as a key player in global health, which is documented through its prominent role in research and control of helminth infection and networking throughout Asia. Policy implications are discussed and will hopefully shape the future agenda for the control and elimination of helminth infections the world over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Norbert W Brattig
- Tropical Medicine Section, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Leonardo
- College of Public Health, University of the Philippines-Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory on Biology of Parasite and Vector, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
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Fernández-Soto P, Gandasegui Arahuetes J, Sánchez Hernández A, López Abán J, Vicente Santiago B, Muro A. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for early detection of Schistosoma mansoni in stool samples: a diagnostic approach in a murine model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3126. [PMID: 25187956 PMCID: PMC4154662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human schistosomiasis, mainly due to Schistosoma mansoni species, is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. To overcome the drawbacks of classical parasitological and serological methods in detecting S. mansoni infections, especially in acute stage of the disease, development of cost-effective, simple and rapid molecular methods is still needed for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. A promising approach is the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology. Compared to PCR-based assays, LAMP has the advantages of reaction simplicity, rapidity, specificity, cost-effectiveness and higher amplification efficiency. Additionally, as results can be inspected by the naked eye, the technique has great potential for use in low-income countries. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A sequence corresponding to a mitochondrial S. mansoni minisatellite DNA region was selected as a target for designing a LAMP-based method to detect S. mansoni DNA in stool samples. We used a S. mansoni murine model to obtain well defined stool and sera samples from infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae. Samples were taken weekly from week 0 to 8 post-infection and the Kato-Katz and ELISA techniques were used for monitoring the infection. Primer set designed were tested using a commercial reaction mixture for LAMP assay and an in house mixture to compare results. Specificity of LAMP was tested using 16 DNA samples from different parasites, including several Schistosoma species, and no cross-reactions were found. The detection limit of our LAMP assay (SmMIT-LAMP) was 1 fg of S. mansoni DNA. When testing stool samples from infected mice the SmMIT-LAMP detected S. mansoni DNA as soon as 1 week post-infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We have developed, for the first time, a cost-effective, easy to perform, specific and sensitive LAMP assay for early detection of S. mansoni in stool samples. The method is potentially and readily adaptable for field diagnosis and disease surveillance in schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Fernández-Soto
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Javier Gandasegui Arahuetes
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alicia Sánchez Hernández
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López Abán
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente Santiago
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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